Ashley Judd responds to call to run against McConnell

Ashley Judd

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) – Ashley Judd has broken her silence about comments Louisville's
newly reelected Congressman John Yarmuth made, calling the actress a great
candidate to run against U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell in 2014.

Judd, a Kentucky native who lives in Tennessee, told US Magazine, "I cherish Kentucky, heart and soul, and while I'm
very honored by the consideration, we have just finished an election. Let's
focus on coming together to keep moving America's families, and especially our
kids, forward."

Judd's ambiguous comment doesn't exactly squelch the rumor.

In his victory speech Tuesday night, Yarmuth, a Democrat, blamed Senate
Minority Leader McConnell for the gridlock in Washington.

On Wednesday, Yarmuth's campaign said that Kentucky's
3rd District Congressman has been telling any who asks that Judd
would make an ideal candidate to run against McConnell when he is up for
reelection in two years.

McConnell's team is firing back. Jesse
Benton, McConnell's campaign manager, said, "Congressman Yarmuth seems to
have an unhealthy obsession with Senator McConnell–that may impress the Obama
crowd in D.C. but sure doesn't help Kentucky. If Mr. Yarmuth would like to try his
luck in a Senate race, we'll be happy to pay his filing fee."

As for McConnell's opinion of Judd, Benton told US Magazine, "Senator McConnell and his wife are big fans of
Ashley Judd's movies and appreciate her energy, particularly when it comes to
getting young people engaged in the political process."

Here in the city that's home to "University-6," as the University of Louisville is identified in a federal criminal complaint filed by the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the feeling of devastation is exceeded only by anger and disbelief.

Here in the city that's home to "University-6," as the University of Louisville is identified in a federal criminal complaint filed by the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the feeling of devastation is exceeded only by anger and disbelief.